Deliciously Simple BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

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Picture this: a warm summer day, a gentle breeze rustling through the trees, and you bite into a sensational BLT Chicken Salad packed with crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a vibrant medley of fresh veggies. Your taste buds are singing, and your heart is dancing; it’s like an outdoor picnic in your mouth!

I remember the first time I made this delightful dish for my best friend’s birthday picnic. We were surrounded by laughter, sunshine, and a bit too much lemonade. This salad turned out to be the star of our spread—everyone couldn’t get enough! There’s something about that irresistible combination of flavors that makes every bite feel like a celebration.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This scrumptious BLT Chicken Salad is incredibly easy to whip up on busy days
  • The flavors meld perfectly together for an unforgettable taste experience
  • Its colorful presentation makes it eye-catching on any plate
  • You can customize it with your favorite ingredients for endless variations

My family devoured this salad at our last barbecue—it was gone within minutes, leaving everyone wanting more!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts will do; adjust based on how hungry your guests are.
  • Crispy Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for that extra crunch; nobody likes soggy bacon!
  • Romaine Lettuce: Fresh romaine adds crisp texture; avoid wilted leaves for maximum crunch.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: These bite-sized beauties burst with sweetness; opt for vibrant red or yellow varieties.
  • Avocado: Ripe avocados bring creaminess; choose ones that yield slightly when pressed gently.
  • Red Onion: Adds zing and crunch; soak in water if you find it too sharp.
  • Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand for creaminess; consider adding some garlic powder for extra flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; it brightens up the flavors beautifully.
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust according to taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Chicken: Begin by preheating your grill or skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before cooking them until golden brown—about 6-7 minutes per side should do.

Prepare the beef: While chicken cooks, fry beef in a skillet over medium heat until crispy—your kitchen will smell divine! Drain on paper towels to absorb excess grease.

Toss Together Greens: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes. Add diced red onion for that zesty kick while mixing gently.

Create Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise with lemon juice before stirring well. Feel free to add garlic powder or other spices for flavor enhancement.

Assemble the Salad: Once chicken cools down slightly, chop it into bite-sized pieces. Toss everything together in your big bowl—chicken pieces, crispy bacon bits, avocado cubes—and drizzle dressing over top.

Enjoy watching everyone dig in as they savor each delightful bite of this fantastic BLT Chicken Salad!

You Must Know

  • This BLT Chicken Salad combines crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy chicken for a delightful crunch
  • The flavors dance together, making it a crowd-pleaser at picnics or family dinners
  • Plus, it’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the chicken until golden brown, then fry the bacon until crispy while the chicken rests. This method ensures maximum flavor and a perfectly balanced dish.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients! Try avocado for creaminess or add cherry tomatoes for extra color and taste. Personalize this salad as you wish!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, warm gently on low heat to maintain that crunchy texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use high-quality bacon for a richer flavor that elevates your salad
  • Cooking chicken with skin on retains moisture; just remove it before serving
  • Don’t skip chilling the salad before serving; it intensifies the flavors wonderfully!

Sharing this recipe during summer barbecues has always brought smiles and compliments from friends and family alike, turning an ordinary meal into a celebration of flavors.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I make BLT Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a few hours in advance and chill it before serving for best results.

What can I substitute for bacon?

Turkey bacon or crispy chickpeas work well if you want a healthier option.

How do I keep my salad fresh longer?

Store components separately until ready to serve to maintain crispness and avoid sogginess.

Print
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Refreshing BLT Chicken Salad


  • Author: recipesnew
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Savor this vibrant BLT Chicken Salad, bursting with crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and fresh veggies. Perfect for picnics or quick weeknight dinners!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown (about 6-7 minutes per side). Let cool slightly before chopping.
  2. 2. Prepare the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, fry bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  3. 3. Toss Together Greens: In a large bowl, mix chopped romaine and halved cherry tomatoes. Add diced red onion.
  4. 4. Create Dressing: In another bowl, blend mayonnaise with lemon juice and seasoning.
  5. 5. Assemble the Salad: Combine all ingredients—chicken pieces, crispy bacon, avocado—and drizzle dressing over the top. Toss gently to combine.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling/Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Feel free to add or swap ingredients; try adding cucumbers or using Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter option. For meal prep, store components separately until serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Tags:

Chicken BLT Salad / Easy Chicken Bacon Salad / Tomato Chicken Salad

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